DPR Issues Final Rules on Pesticide Applications Near Schools

California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released long-anticipated rules restricting pesticide applications close to public schools and daycare facilities.

The new rules require that pesticides using aircraft, airblast sprayer, sprinkler chemigation, or applied as a dust, powder, or fumigant between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday be located at least ¼ mile from schools.

At least 25-foot distance is required when application is made via ground-rig sprayer, soil injection equipment, or other types of applications including drip or flood chemigation.

There are no restrictions on applications made in greenhouses; as a bait station; as soil-injected dusts or powders; pesticides applied as granules, flakes, or pellets; or applications made with a backpack sprayer or hand pump sprayer unless the materials applied are dusts, powders, or fumigants.

Fumigants must be applied more than 36 hours before school classes are scheduled.

Additionally, by April 30, 2018, property owners must provide schools within ¼ mile a list of the pesticides they intend to apply between July 1 through June 30 of the following year.